Midfielders dropped from Spain squad

Vicente Del Bosque has opted to retain striker Roberto Soldado and cut two midfielders in his final 23-man squad for the Confederations Cup, despite the loss of Xabi Alonso through injury.

Javi Garcia and Benat were sent home from the Spain camp, with Del Bosque expected to maintain at least one of the two as a replacement for Alonso, who was withdrawn due to a groin injury.

Reports suggested Soldado could be sacrificed to account for the loss of Alonso, although Spain still possess significant depth in the middle of the park, with Barcelona trio Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and Xavi all available.

Spain will travel to the United States for friendlies against Haiti in Miami on Sunday and the Republic of Ireland in New York on Tuesday week before heading to Brazil, where they will face Tahiti, Uruguay and Nigeria in Group B.